Author: CJ Baumgartner

First “Saltie” of Season Arrives

DULUTH, Minn.– The first saltwater ship of the 2020 shipping season has made its way to Duluth. The Federal Churchill is a 656-foot ship from the Marshall Islands. The vessel is finishing up a full St. Lawrence Seaway transit for its first run of the year. Last night it passed through the Soo Locks upbound before making its way to…

City Of Duluth Applies for EPA Grant

DULUTH, Minn.– The Environmental Protection Agency is looking for more projects to restore wildlife habitats in the Northland. The EPA is asking the city of Duluth to apply to receive funding from the agency’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. If awarded, the EPA would give $900,000 to help restore and maintain the St. Louis River Natural Area. The city of Duluth…

148th Fighter Wing Makes Masks

DULUTH, Minn.– Members of the 148th Fighter Wing have a new type of mission right now, making home-made masks to keep service men and women safe during the outbreak. This comes as the CDC recommends wearing masks when going out in public, even if they are homemade. As the battle against Coronavirus continues, service members in Minnesota are working to…

St. Luke’s Opens Respiratory Clinic

HERMANTOWN, Minn.– Coronavirus is taking the time and attention of healthcare facilities everywhere but what about people who are dealing with other respiratory illnesses? Now, St. Luke’s has opened a new respiratory clinic in Duluth. With everyone caught up in the Coronavirus pandemic, other health issues can feel like they are pushed to the side. Now St. Luke’s is offering…

Screen Graphics Makes Masks for Businesses in Twin Ports

SUPERIOR, Wis.– The demand for masks across the country is growing and one Superior business is pitching in to help. Screen Graphics is having groups of their staff making cloth masks. They are sending the masks to healthcare facilities, nursing homes, and grocery stores in the Twin Ports. Screen Graphics tells us they are glad to keep everybody working and…

Medical Supplies Donated to Salvation Army

DULUTH, Minn.– There’s a growing need for all kinds of medical supplies and one Duluth business is making it a little easier for people to get their hands on them. Lake Superior Medical Equipment donated medical supplies to the Salvation Army in Duluth. They donated thousands of dollars worth of supplies like pull-ups and adult diapers which will be given…

Charter Fishing Businesses Anxious for Season

DULUTH, Minn.– The Coronavirus outbreak isn’t stopping the charter fishing business in Canal Park from getting ready for another season out on Lake Superior. Alex Cusseo owns Angler Management, a charter fishing service for lake trout, salmon and walleye. He has seen a drop in reservations the last two weeks but hasn’t had a trip cancelled so far. When his…

Bent Paddle Unveils New Brew

DULUTH, Minn.– In March, breweries around the Twin Ports held an event to celebrate International Women’s Day. It ended with a new brew and today they showed it off to the world. It’s named Compassionate Ale. Bent Paddle teamed up with The Pink Boots Society. A national organization trying to get more women involved in the brewing industry. Bent Paddle…

Superior Dog Park Closes Amid Coronavirus Concerns

  SUPERIOR, Wis.– One of the brighter sides of being at home is getting to go outside with your pets but since last weekend dog owners in superior have lost one of those places to take their pooch. Governor Evers’ “Safer at Home Order” has closed down all public parks including Superior’s dog park. The new guidelines have kept the…

The Challenge Center Helps Make Masks

SUPERIOR, Wis.– As the fight against Coronavirus continues, the demand for supplies like masks has been huge. One organization in Superior is doing what they can to help. As more and more masks are being made, a group of people with special needs are working to help increase the supply. The Challenge Center in Superior has been giving adults with…

Duluth Lakewalk Helps Keep Social Distancing

DULUTH, Minn.– The warm weather couldn’t have come at a better time. Coronavirus may be changing our normal routine but it isn’t keeping people from enjoying the trails around Duluth. “It’s a beautiful day. Don’t get very many days like this,” said Tyler Wieber, who was walking along the Lakewalk. Concerns over Coronavirus have shut down theaters, bars and restaurants….

Duluth Airport Cancels Flights

DULUTH, Minn.– The Duluth International Airport is experiencing a severe drop in passengers and a delay to expand service from Delta. Airport Executive Director Tom Werner says flights in an out of DLH have dropped between 50 to 75 percent since the virus outbreak took hold. The little travel that is happening is coming from mostly business people. Delta is…

Coronavirus Concerns Impact Area Hotels

DULUTH, Minn.– As the warm weather approaches, hotels in the Twin Ports would normally be gearing up for their busiest time of the year. But concerns over Coronavirus have brought business for hotels and resorts to a halt. The governors of Wisconsin and Minnesota consider hotels an essential business during the Coronavirus pandemic. But not many visitors are checking in…

Thousands Without Power After Spring Storm

DULUTH, Minn.– An overnight March storm ripped through the Northland, bringing a mix of rain, snow, and flooding. One of the four pine trees on Brighton Beach, completely ripped from the ground. The added moisture on an already soggy ground uprooted four large pine trees on Brighton Beach. Meanwhile large waves battered the shore. Minnesota Power has been preparing to…

Goodwill Closes Due to Shelter-In-Place Order

Goodwill is asking that people hold off on donations for now.

DULUTH, Minn.– Shelter-in-place orders in Minnesota and Wisconsin have caused Goodwill stores to shut down for the next two weeks. Goodwill is asking that people hold off on donations for now. People have been leaving donations by the buildings but they can’t be collected because there are no employees on site. This causes donated items to be damaged and thrown…

Wussow’s Adds Drive-Thru Window

The coffee shop added curbside pick-up. They also moved part of their kitchen to make room for a temporary drive-thru window.

DULUTH, Minn.– Wussow’s Concert Cafe in West Duluth had to lay off all of their employees due to the state’s Coronavirus regulations. So owner Jason Wussow and his wife Tina got creative to keep their business open. The coffee shop added curbside pick-up. They also moved part of their kitchen to make room for a temporary drive-thru window. Wussow says…

Mission Creek Church Hosts Pop-Up Pantry

For $20 each, people could purchase bundles of food. Bundles were picked up curbside this year to socially distance.

DULUTH, Minn.– Ruby’s Pantry has been helping people in the Northland get affordable groceries. Today they were lending a hand at mission creek church in Fond du Lac. Ruby’s hosted a pop-up pantry there. For $20 each, people could purchase bundles of food. Bundles were picked up curbside this year to socially distance. Mission creek gave out 237 out of…

One Roof Receives Federal Grant

DULUTH, Minn.– An organization in Duluth that has been helping people make repairs and renovations to their homes just got some much-needed help. One Roof Community Housing was awarded $225,000 from the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund. The federal program is designed to support lending for people who can’t get traditional loans. This isn’t the first time one roof has…

Duluth Fire Department Sees Changes Due to Coronavirus

DULUTH, Minn.– While cases of Coronavirus keep going up, essential services like the Duluth Fire Department are still busy. The pandemic has caused some changes in how they operate to best serve the people of Duluth. The Coronavirus means changes for the Duluth Fire Department. While its has been a little more busy than normal, firefighters say they are still…

School Board Chooses Next Superintendent

DULUTH, Minn.– Monday night, the Duluth School Board discussed the final three candidates for superintendent, with the intent of choosing the right person for the job. The three finalists for the position were John Magas, Associate Superintendent of Continuous Improvement for Green Bay Area Public Schools, Dr. Michael Funk, Superintendent of Schools for Albert Lea, and Ron Wagner, Associate Superintendent…

Park Point Sees Increase in Activity

DULUTH, Minn.– The nicer weather combined with social distancing and people being out of work has meant a busier Park Point these days. People have been using their extra time to walk along the beach, walk their dogs, or just to enjoy some fresh air. “It’s a good opportunity to take advantage of some of this unexpected free time,” said…

Crooked Pint Staying Strong During Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn.– Crooked Pint in Duluth tells us they’ve seen an increase in takeout orders over the last week. Those orders have allowed the restaurant to keep a handful of employees working. Crooked Pint’s general manager says it’s a stressful time for everybody and his crew is thankful for the support from the community. “They’re glad that we’re here, we’re…

Duluth Police Make Changes to Limit Coronavirus Spread

Police department encouraging residents to file reports online or on the phone

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is making some changes to help limit the spread of coronavirus. The new guidelines are changing how people file reports with the police. Duluth PD is encouraging residents to do it online or over the phone if they are filing an after-the-fact report or if there is no suspect. Police officials tell us…

Northern Lakes Food Bank Gearing Up to Help More People During Pandemic

Food bank working on distribution methods that lower person-to-person contact

DULUTH, Minn. – Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank is gearing up during a time when food suppliers are needed most. The food bank is working on distribution methods that lower person-to-person contact and increase hygiene. A third of the food bank’s workforce is volunteer and many are elderly. They were asked to stay home leaving a shortage help. The…

Proctor Auto Shop Picks Up and Delivers Cars

PROCTOR, Minn.– One Proctor business is offering a new way to get business going during the Coronavirus pandemic. Troy’s Service Center in Proctor is offering free pick-up and delivery for those who need it. The added service is being done using proper sanitary measures. Staff wear gloves and have cars cleaned with sanitary wipes. The pick-up and delivery option not…

Coronavirus Testing Tents Open in West Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.– Essentia Health has opened a mobile testing site in their businesses services center in West Duluth just off the Bong Bridge. Those with Essentia say testing there is limited due to supplies. Right now they are only testing a narrow group of people including healthcare workers and first responders. Essentia leadership say patients should first schedule an e-visit…

One Person Infected With Coronavirus in Douglas County

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis.– Yesterday Bayfield County reported a high school student there tested positive for Coronavirus. Today, the virus has made it closer to Duluth as someone has tested positive in Douglas County. Douglas County officials got confirmation from the state early this morning of a confirmed Coronavirus case in the county. There isn’t much about the person infected as…

Engwall Florist Gives Flowers to Healthcare Workers

DULUTH, Minn.– Healthcare workers have been under a lot of stress recently and one floral shop in Duluth wanted to say thank you for all the hard work they are doing. Engwall Floral surprised healthcare workers at St. Luke’s with about a couple hundred roses today. This is part of their Random Act of Flowers campaign. They started the campaign…

Community Action Updates Tax Service

DULUTH, Minn.– The deadline to pay your federal taxes has been extended by 90 days to help people financially during the pandemic. Community Action Duluth is one of the only places in Duluth where people can file their taxes for free. New social distancing measures are now in place at Community Action. People can go to their office and take…

Kari Toyota Deals with Coronavirus Concerns

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Kari Toyota is making changes in how they operate to help everyone stay healthy. The sales team is wearing gloves during test drives, and the dealership removed chairs in the waiting area to create more space. The service department is still busy, but car sales have slowed down. “We’re trying to do it in a way that’s smart…

Wisconsin Updates Childcare Regulations Over Coronavirus

SUPERIOR, Wis.– On Wednesday Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced new regulations for childcare centers around the state, but now some of them have changed to help out parents and daycares. A change in policy from the state is a sigh of relief for childcare centers like New Horizons Children’s Center in Superior. Yesterday afternoon, owner Cindy Fennessey was told by…

Plumbers Warn of Flushing Alternative Items

DULUTH, Minn.– The toilet paper shortage has plumbing experts warning homeowners to be careful what alternatives are flushed down the pipe. ASP Plumbing in Duluth tells us crews have been busier since the Coronavirus outbreak. They say older sewer lines made with clay tile can crack and cause roots to pick up materials that don’t disintegrate right away, causing pipes…

How to Keep Your House Clean Amid Coronavirus Concerns

DULUTH, Minn.– As more and more people are staying home due to Coronavirus. Extra effort is being used to make sure homes are as germ-free as can be. Marianne’s Professional Cleaning has seen an increase of ten homes per week with a lot more calls for tips on how to keep their homes clean. They suggest disinfecting doorknobs, light switch…

Minnesota Businesses Shut Down Due to Coronavirus

DULUTH, Minn.– Governor Walz laid out his plan for Minnesota businesses to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus. On Tuesday, that plan was put into action. The new measures taken by the state require bars and restaurants to be closed to dine-in customers by 5 p.m. Tuesday and continue through at least 5 p.m. March 27. This leaves a big…

Superior, Douglas County Declare State of Emergency Over Coronavirus Concerns

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Douglas county and the city of Superior are taking another step to prepare for the potential of the Coronavirus spreading to northwestern Wisconsin. Due to concerns over the Coronavirus, Douglas County and the city of Superior declared a state of emergency this afternoon. “Think of your friends and neighbors,” said Superior Mayor Jim Paine. “Think of the people…

UMD, CSS Cancel Class Due to Coronavirus Concerns

DULUTH, Minn.– The growing concern of the virus has talk shows, game shows, and even sporting venues going audience free. Here in the Twin Ports, UMD, CSS and UWS are now doing a version of that. All three are extending spring break and moving classes online when students return. Colleges and universities in Duluth are taking some unprecedented measures to…

Bentleyville Opens Survey for Public Input

DULUTH, Minn.– Winter may be about over but Bentleyville Tour of Lights is looking for your feedback to make the annual attraction better than ever. A survey is open right now online. It’s been seven years since Bentleyville has done a survey. It only takes about 2-3 minutes to fill out. Some questions are multiple choice others let you type…

Wild State Cider Hosts Adult Spelling Bee

DULUTH, Minn.– Tonight, people got a chance to do something many haven’t done since high school. At the adult spelling bee at Wild State Cider contestants wrote out words on paper. The top 20 spellers got to advance to the next round. Later rounds had people standing up and spelling the words out loud. The top speller got a generous…

Couponing Class Shows How to Shop Smart

DULUTH, Minn,– Everybody wants to try and save on their grocery bill. A class in Duluth gives them an opportunity to do just that. Kenwood Lutheran Church put on the annual class in honor of national food share month. Those attending learned tips and tricks on saving money at the grocery store and being able to make their dollar go…

Juried Art Exhibit Held at UWS

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Students at UWS today got a chance to put their art on display for everyone to see. The annual Juried Art Exhibit at the Kruk Gallery showcased over 30 pieces of artwork from 30 different students. Students of every major were able to submit their art. UWS alumni Natalie Rude, who is a currently an artist in Duluth…

Social Justice Social Bridges Generational Gap

DULUTH, Minn.– An event called the Social Justice Social” was held at the Zeitgeist Theater tonight to try and get young adults more active in social justice causes and organizations. The social was put on by the Duluth NAACP and included food, prizes, and networking opportunities. Organizers say they hope to use the social justice social to open the door…